Tamworth strikes gold for fifth year running

Tamworth is ‘blooming’ celebrating after once again winning gold at this year’s Heart of England in Bloom competition in the ‘Small City’ category.

This is the fifth year running Tamworth has struck gold in the competition for its spectacular floral displays, which receive praise from residents and visitors all year round.

This year’s theme was a poignant commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, titled Tamworth in Bloom – Lest We Forget.

The theme included a striking single soldier made from flowers – standing on the Moor Street island – along with the centenary dates of the First World War made out in flowers. In addition to this and countless other displays, poppies were planted throughout the borough.

Judges were taken on a tour of the borough, including the Castle Grounds, the bandstand flower beds, Jubilee rose garden, were showed the newly refurbished Saxon warrior and the torch bearer, before visiting some of the Local Nature Reserves (LNR) and Amington Cemetery War Memorial.

According to the judges:“We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Tamworth where the work of the council, residents, businesses and volunteers was displayed. It is evident that a large number of people from a range of backgrounds are involved in the campaign and taking a great deal of pride in ensuring it is clean and attractive.”

The judges also highlighted a number of places they visited as being of particular interest, including: the Hodge Lane Nature Reserve, Amington Cemetery War Memorial, Bright Crescent, Tamworth Community Fire Station, the Soldier on the roundabout and the ‘stunning and immaculately maintained’ Castle Grounds. They also gave a special mention to the Hodge Lane Wildlife Group for ‘their brilliant World War 1 costumes and exceedingly good cakes!’

Councillor Michelle Thurgood, Cabinet Member for the Environment & Waste Management, said:“It is fantastic to see that Tamworth has achieved gold for the fifth year running.

“We take a lot of pride in our floral displays and working with others to make our town look as beautiful as possible for both our residents and visitors. We receive compliments throughout the year and it is wonderful we have once again received recognition.

“However we would not have struck gold without the hard work of our StreetScene staff who work tirelessly all year round. I would also like to thank everyone who has taken part in this year’s campaign, including the nature reserves volunteers and residents who have helped make this year even more special.”

There were also a number of areas of achievement outlined. This included growing annual bedding plants from seed, the sensory garden, involvement of the Community Payback Team, Amington Cemetery War Memorial, Wild About Tamworth and nature reserve groups, the gardens at Bright Crescent and engagement with local schools.

Tamworth is also competing in the national In Bloom campaign. The results will be announced next month.